Musical instrument



F. C. BEN DER MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Dec. 6. 1927.

Filed May '26. 1925 Dec. 6, 1927.

F. C. BENDER MUS I GAL INSTRUMENT Filed May 26, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet nwulor if C. flare ex" I Am Patented Dec. 6, 1927.

UNITED STATES FREDERICK CHARLES BENDER, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

Application filed May 26, 1925.

This invention relates to an improved musical instrument, having more particular reference to one wherein the voice is such as to simulate that possessed by a harmonica.

One object is to provide an instrument of the class embodying a plurality of chambers of graduated proportions for producing successive tones of thescale, there being a manually manipulated slide for selectively supplying air to these chambers ejected from a mouth pipe held in the mouth of the player.

It is also a'feature of the invention'to provide cylinders into which the air is selective ly injected to operate upon diaphragms or the like, together with manually manipulated pistons reciprocable in these cylinders to permit the keys to be variedin accordance with the relative positions of the pistons.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a structure, which in all appearances simulates the conventional cornet or trumpet, there being a harmonica or equivalent wind operated instrument in association therewith for the purpose of using the pipes of the cornet as air and sound wave conducting passages.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one type of musical instrument constructed in accord ance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the slide, with a portion broken away and shown in section.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view showing the approximate location of a harmonica.

Figure & is a perspective view of an instrument of a type to be blown from the mouth of the user.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a differ ent modification of the instrument.

Confining attention first to Figures 1' to 3 inclusive, it will be seen that the reference character 1 designates a tube at the outer end of which is a cup mouth piece 2. Connected to this tube through the medium of connecting rods 3 is a second tube 4 terminating in a tapering spaced parallel extension 5 having a bell at its free end. A substantially U-shaped slide 6 has its side portions 7 and Serial No. 33,033.

8 slidable in the tubes 1 and i respectively. Located between these tubes is a somewhat conventional form of harmonica, or equivalent instrument indicated generally by the reference character 9. The instrument is modified to permit it to be placed in the approximate location indicated, so that the sound producing means thereof will be acted on by the air currents blown to travel through the tube 1, through the musical instrument, and then into thetube 4. Atthis time it should be noted that the arm 7 of the slide 6 is provided with a restricted air escape port 10 adapted to selectively register with the sound wave chambers of the instrument 9; Inwardly of this port is a plug 11 preventing the air from passing beyond this point. Opposite this plug and between the arms 7 and 8 is a cross piece 12 which may serve as a hand grip for manipulating the slide somewhat in the manner followed in the playing of a slide trombone. The free end portion of the arm 8 is cut away at its upper half as indicated at 13, and this portion is cooperable with the musical instrument 9.

An important feature of the present embodiment of the invention is the provision of a disc valve 14 located in the sound wave discharge passage of the instrument, there be ing a spring associated with the stem of this valve and the spring serving to normally maintain the valve open. The stem however is formed with a handle 15 by means of which the valve may be closed at the command of the performer.

From the foregoing it is obvious that the air is blown into the tube 1, and arm 11 of the slide through the mouthpiece 2 in a customary manner. The hand piece 12 is grasped and the slide is manipulated to selectively register the port 10 with the variout chambers of the musical instrument 9, allowing the different tones of the scales to be produced. These tones or sound waves are then carried on out through the hell 5, producing tones of a characteristic nature.

Confining attention now to Figure 4 it will be seen that a special type of instrument is shown. This comprises a plurality of joined cells or chambers 16 having suitable individual vibratory mediums 17 upon their sides. A metal plate 18 is fastened to the top of these cells and is provided with openings 19 registering with the different cells or chambers. The marginal edges of this plate are bent upon themselves to provide guide tracks 20, a sliding plate 21 is mounted between these tracks and this plate is adapted to function as a valve, or rather as a means for selective disposition over the desired chamber to permit air to be intro duced into that chamber. To this end the plate is provided with an upstanding neck 22, and a rubber tube or mouth pipe 23 is connected with this, there being an appropriate mouth piece 24 in the free end of the pipe. On this arrangement the mouth piece is placed in the performers mouth while the body of the instrument is held in an appropriate manner. Now the slide plate 21 is grasped by the hand in a convenient way and is moved back and forth to bring the supply of air in registry with the desired chamber. The mouth pipe will be s'ufiiciently flexible so as not to interfere with the free sliding of the plate. It is obvious that the position of the plate determines the tone produced, and by rapid manipulation, various tones of the scale may be sounded.

Noting Figure 5 now it will be seen that the device there shown comprises a plurality of cylinders 25 of different lengths preferably arranged in graduated order. In the side walls are vibratory diaphragms 26 while a top plate 27 serves as a cover therefor. This plate is provided with openings 28 in alignment with the various cylinders. A channel shaped slide 29 is mounted on the top plate and is provided with a neck 80 to which a rubber tube 31 is connected, the rubber tube also having an appropriate mouth-piece 32. Arms depend from this top plate and may be provided with graduations 34. A plate 35 is slidable upon these arms, and may be placed to cooperate with the desired graduations. Connected to the top of this plate are stems 36 which carry piston heads 37 slidable in the various cylinders. A connecting plate 88 connects the arms 33 together. In this form of the invention the air is injected into the cylinders by manipulation of the slide plate 29, but it is possible, owing to the presence of the plungers to vary the pitch of the tones by shortening the effective area of the cylinders. This pitch varying device may be regnlated accurately owing to the presence of the graduations.

A consideration of the invention in connection with the drawings will enable persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates to obtain a. clear understanding of the same. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

lVhile the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it

is to be understood that minor changes coining within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described the invention, What I claim as he Y and desire to secure by Let ters Patent is:-

As a new product of manufacture, a musical instrument of the character described comprising a body provided with a plurality of tone chambers having end intake opening and side tone discharge holes, individual vibratory elements cooperating with said tone discharge holes, a metal plate connected to the body, said plate being provided with openings in registry with said end intake openings, said plate being further provided with opposed spaced "parallel guide tracks. a slide valve plate slidably contacting said plate and confined between said tracks. said *alve plate being provided with an upstanding bored neck to be selectively registered with the openings in said plate, a flexible tube connected to said neck, and a mouth piece carried by the free end of the tube.

In testimonv whereof I affix my signature.

FREDERICK CHARLES HENDER. 

